New York rappers Jay-Z and Nas ended their longtime feud and promoted peace on-stage Thursday night during a radio station-sponsored concert in New Jersey.
In the past, the two rappers frequently exchanged heated words and both recorded songs about the other.
As headliner of New York radio station Power 105.1’s Power House concert at the Continental Airlines Arena, Jay-Z had promised surprise guest performances and originally hyped the concert as an “I Declare War” affair, though nothing of the kind occurred during the three-hour, star-studded show.
Throughout his performance, Jay-Z and company celebrated coming together and ending unnecessary conflict. “This is for hip-hop,” the rapper proclaimed. “We love y’all!”
Before performing “Dead Presidents” together with Nas (Jay-Z sampled Nas’ voice for the track on “Reasonable Doubt”) Jay-Z teased the crowd, stating that an earlier reunion between Sean “Diddy” Combs and estranged rapper the Lox (now known as D-Block) had motivated him. He shouted, “Let’s go Esco!” and Nas arrived on stage to deafening applause.
Afterwards, the two rappers stood side-by-side for nearly two minutes as the crowd cheered. Nas then performed a roughly 15-minute set that included “Street Dreams,” “The World Is Yours” and “Hate Me Now,” which reunited him with Diddy. Kanye West, Diddy and Jay-Z then reconnected with Nas for Jay-Z’s “Encore” to cap the night.
Among the other guests were T.I., Young Jeezy and Akon. Newcomers Boyz N Da Hood, Teairra Mari and Ne-Yo also performed short sets. West breezed through a roughly 15-minute performance that highlighted songs from his new album, “Late Registration” including “Touch the Sky,” “Heard Em Say” and “Drive Slow” with Paul Wall.
Throughout the night, Jay-Z performed a diverse catalog of songs from throughout his career, including “Hola Hovito,” “You Don’t Know,” “Song Cry” and “Dear Summer.”
Rapper Beanie Sigel’s appearance was especially unexpected, given his recent release from prison and his close ties with Jay-Z and Damon Dash, who recently dissolved their business relationship after years of running Roc-A-Fella Records together.
Credit: Reuters/Billboard